Aziz Ansari Brings the Laughs to Orpheum Theater October 2 and 3

Fred Hernandez

Aziz Ansari’s character, Tom Haverford, on NBC’s “Parks and Recreation” is responsible for upgrading the American food lexicon by replacing words like desserts with “zerts,” entrees with “trey treys,” sandwiches with “sammys, sandoozles, or Adam Sandler’s” and many other unnecessary but hilarious abbreviations.

Some may argue that Ansari got his big break playing the foul-mouthed, up-and-coming stand-up comedian, Randy, in Jude Appatow’s “Funny People.” The character became such a break-out star that Ansari would even adopt the “Randy” stage persona for parts of his stand-up sets. What worked so well were his exaggerated facial expressions and movements, his over-the-top sex tales, and the fact that he had his own DJ. He was innovative and fresh.

Like many other stand-up comics, Ansari began his career participating in improvisational troupes. He would frequently perform at the Upright Citizens Brigade, an improv and sketch comedy group, in New York. In the summer of 2005, he began collaborating with comedians Rob Huebel and Paul Scheer. After producing comedic shorts about cut-throat child talent agents and goth-style magicians, MTV approved the sketch comedy show, “Human Giant,” which ran for two seasons and was well-received by the public. The show was offered a third season, but due to Ansari’s commitment with “Parks and Recreation” it could not do continue. 

Ansari was hired as the first cast member for “Parks and Recreation” in June 2008. Like in “Funny People,” his character became an instant hit, becoming one of Entertainment Weekly’s 2009 “Breakout TV Stars” and earning TV Guide’s “Scene Stealer” title. 

Ansari hosted the 2010 MTV Movie Awards where he parodied the film “Precious” and acted as Zach Galifianakis’ “swagger coach.” The bits were side-splitting. He also accepted the award for Best Comedic Performance as the swagger coach, Taavon.

Ansari’s film career has included roles in “Get Him to the Greek,” “I Love You, Man,” “30 Minutes or Less,” and “Observe and Report.” He has also released three stand-up comedy specials—“Intimate Moments for a Sensual Evening” (2010), “Dangerously Delicious” (2012), and “Buried Alive” (2013).

Ansari has also used the Internet to his advantage. Today, comedians can start podcasts, develop their own sketch shows on Youtube, or simply be funny on Twitter.  So, the playing field has gotten much larger. With all of these opportunities, comedians like Ansari use their web-savvy techniques to engage with their fans through social media. Ansari can now be funny on Twitter and on stage. That’s good news for comedy fans worldwide.

Aziz Ansari plays a two-night run at the Orpheum Theater on Thursday, October 2 and two shows on Friday, October 3. Tickets are on sale now.